Tempe WIC Clinics

Good nutrition is particularly important for pregnant and nursing women and young children. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have a child under age 5 and meet certain eligibility guidelines, you may qualify for the Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) program. A woman who doesn’t get proper nutrition during pregnancy can have a difficult pregnancy or labor, and poor nutrition can cause health problems for the baby as well. Experts advise women to breastfeed their babies for the child’s optimal health, and because the baby’s only source of nutrition during this time is breast milk, it is essential for nursing mothers to eat well. Studies also show that children who get proper nutrition develop better physically and cognitively, and the years before a child is 5 are critical for development. WIC, a federally funded program, gives funds for low-income families to purchase healthy foods that provide the nutrition a baby or young child or a pregnant or nursing woman needs. Women and families enrolled in the WIC program are given a list of approved foods and grocery stores and farmers markets to ensure they get high-quality, nutritious fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and fish as well as infant formula and baby food. Families also benefit from nutrition education, including handouts, group classes and individual counseling sessions. Depending on whether the woman is pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding or the age of the child, a person may receive WIC benefits from 6 months to a year. If still in need of benefits after that time, the woman or family can reapply.

WIC Resources

WIC Breast Feeding Support
Breastfeeding is essential in infant development and is recommended by the Women, Infant, and Child Program to be the best way of feeding babies.